Liriomyza huidobrensis

Definition

A species of agromyzid leaf-miner fly (Diptera: Agromyzidae) whose larvae produce serpentine mines in the leaves and stems of cultivated legumes and vegetable crops. Native to South America, it has become a globally distributed agricultural pest through trade in plant material, with particular economic impact on peas (Pisum sativum), beans, spinach, and ornamental foliage plants. The species is frequently intercepted at borders and is subject to quarantine regulations in many regions due to its capacity for rapid population increase and insecticide resistance development.

Etymology

From Liriomyza (genus name, Greek lirios 'lily' + myza 'to suck') + huidobrensis (patronym honoring Chilean entomologist Guillermo Huidobro)

Example

Liriomyza huidobrensis populations in California greenhouse spinach operations often require integrated management combining yellow sticky traps for adult monitoring, biological control with parasitoid wasps such as Diglyphus isaea, and selective insecticides to delay resistance.

Synonyms

• pea leaf miner
• serpentine leaf miner (also applied to L. brassicae)

Related Terms

• Agromyzidae
• leaf miner
• Liriomyza
• Liriomyza brassicae
• Liriomyza trifolii
• Integrated Pest Management
• quarantine pest

Usage Notes

The common name 'serpentine leaf miner' is ambiguous and also applied to the closely related L. brassicae; 'pea leaf miner' is more specific to this species. Identification from other Liriomyza species requires examination of male genitalia or molecular markers, as larval mines and adult external morphology overlap considerably. The species is often confused with the vegetable leaf miner L. sativae and the American serpentine leaf miner L. trifolii in field settings.